Authentic Indian Butter Chicken

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Introduction

Indian Butter Chicken, also known as Murgh Makhani, is one of the most beloved dishes in Indian cuisine. With its creamy tomato-based sauce, tender chicken, and aromatic blend of spices, this dish has made its mark on kitchens around the world. Typically cooked in a tandoor oven, this stovetop version offers a quicker and just as delicious alternative without sacrificing the rich, flavorful taste that makes butter chicken such a crowd-pleaser.

This stovetop version of Indian Butter Chicken is perfect for those who love bold flavors but don’t have access to a tandoor oven. It’s also a great choice for home cooks who want a hearty meal without the long cooking time. The combination of spices, yogurt, and cream creates a velvety sauce that coats the chicken, making it an irresistible dish that’s perfect with naan bread or steamed rice.

Perfect for:

• Family dinners
• Weekend cooking
• Special occasions
• Meal prepping for the week
• Fans of Indian cuisine

Why You’ll Love This Stovetop Indian Butter Chicken

Here’s why Stovetop Indian Butter Chicken will become your favorite dish:

• Creamy and Rich Flavor: The creamy sauce, made with butter, cream, and tomatoes, envelops the tender chicken in layers of flavor.
• Bold Spice Blend: The combination of garam masala, turmeric, and cumin adds depth and complexity, while the chili gives it just the right amount of heat.
• Quick and Easy: Unlike traditional butter chicken that requires a tandoor, this stovetop version is faster and easier to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings.
• Halal-Friendly: This recipe avoids any non-Halal ingredients like pork, bacon, or alcohol, making it a great choice for those following a Halal diet.
• Customizable: Adjust the level of spice to your liking, add extra cream for more richness, or include vegetables like bell peppers or peas to add more variety.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 4-6
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 400-500 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 30g, Carbs: 10g, Fat: 25g

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make Stovetop Indian Butter Chicken:

• For the Chicken Marinade:
• 1 ½ pounds (700g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• ¾ cup plain yogurt (preferably full-fat)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon minced ginger
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• For the Sauce:
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger
• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• ½ teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Salt, to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Ingredient Highlights

• Chicken Thighs: Chicken thighs are tender and juicy, making them perfect for absorbing the rich flavors of the marinade and sauce. They stay moist during cooking, unlike chicken breasts.
• Spices: The combination of cumin, coriander, garam masala, turmeric, and chili powder provides the signature flavor profile of butter chicken. These spices give the dish warmth, depth, and complexity.
• Butter and Cream: The butter and cream create the rich, velvety sauce that makes this dish so indulgent. The cream helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes and the heat from the spices.
• Yogurt: The yogurt marinade tenderizes the chicken while adding tanginess and helping the spices adhere to the meat.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make the perfect Stovetop Indian Butter Chicken:

Marinate the Chicken:

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, lemon juice, turmeric, cumin, coriander, garam masala, minced garlic, minced ginger, salt, and pepper. Mix well until the spices are fully incorporated.
2. Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring each piece is coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for more flavor. If you’re short on time, marinating for even 15 minutes will still yield great results.

Cook the Chicken:

3. Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and hot, add the marinated chicken pieces in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Sear the chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Make the Sauce:

4. Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter. Once melted, add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and ginger and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
5. Add the Spices: Stir in the cumin, coriander, garam masala, turmeric, and chili powder. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the spices to bloom and become aromatic.
6. Add the Tomatoes: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir to combine. Let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to break down and the flavors to meld together.
7. Add the Cream: Reduce the heat to medium-low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir well to combine, creating a smooth, creamy sauce. Let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes to thicken slightly.

Combine the Chicken and Sauce:

8. Add the Chicken: Return the cooked chicken pieces to the skillet, stirring to coat the chicken in the sauce. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes, ensuring the chicken is heated through and has absorbed some of the sauce’s flavors.
9. Taste and Adjust: Taste the sauce and add salt if necessary. If you’d like more heat, feel free to add extra chili powder or a pinch of cayenne.

Serve:

10. Garnish and Serve: Garnish the butter chicken with freshly chopped cilantro and serve hot with steamed basmati rice or naan bread. Enjoy!

How to Serve Stovetop Indian Butter Chicken

Stovetop Indian Butter Chicken can be served in a variety of ways:

• With Naan: Serve the butter chicken with soft, pillowy naan bread. The naan will soak up the creamy sauce, making every bite even more delicious.
• With Rice: Pair this dish with fragrant basmati rice to balance the richness of the sauce. You can also serve it with jeera rice (cumin rice) for added flavor.
• As a Wrap: For a fun twist, use the butter chicken as a filling for a wrap, adding fresh veggies like lettuce, cucumber, and tomato for crunch.
• With Raita: A side of cooling cucumber raita (yogurt sauce) can help balance the spice and richness of the dish.
• With Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables, such as cauliflower or potatoes, pair beautifully with this dish, adding a touch of earthiness to the meal.

Additional Tips for Stovetop Indian Butter Chicken

Here are some tips to make your Stovetop Indian Butter Chicken even better:

• Use Full-Fat Yogurt: Full-fat yogurt helps tenderize the chicken and adds richness to the dish. Avoid using low-fat versions, as they may affect the texture and flavor.
• Adjust the Spice Level: The heat from the chili powder can be adjusted to your preference. If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the chili powder or skip it entirely.
• Let the Chicken Rest: After cooking the chicken, allow it to rest for a few minutes before adding it back into the sauce. This helps the juices redistribute, making the chicken more tender and flavorful.
• Use Fresh Spices: Freshly ground spices provide more flavor and aroma. If possible, grind your cumin, coriander, and garam masala at home for the best taste.

Recipe Variations of Stovetop Indian Butter Chicken

Here are 5 variations of Stovetop Indian Butter Chicken you can try:

• Paneer Butter Chicken: For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with paneer (Indian cottage cheese). The paneer will soak up the rich sauce, making it a delicious alternative.
• Spicy Butter Chicken: Add more chili powder or cayenne pepper to the sauce to make the dish spicier. You can also include some chopped green chilies for an extra kick.
• Butter Chicken with Cashews: For added richness and texture, blend some cashews into the sauce. This will create an even creamier base for the chicken.
• Butter Chicken with Spinach: Stir in some fresh spinach towards the end of cooking for a nutritious and flavorful variation. The spinach will wilt into the sauce, adding depth and color.
• Butter Chicken with Peas: Add some peas to the sauce to make the dish more hearty. The sweetness of the peas pairs wonderfully with the rich, spicy sauce.

Freezing and Storage for Stovetop Indian Butter Chicken

• Freezing: You can freeze the butter chicken for up to 3 months. Simply let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer bag. To reheat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat it on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or cream if necessary.
• Storage: Store the leftover butter chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding extra cream or water to loosen the sauce if needed.

Special Equipment for Stovetop Indian Butter Chicken

Here are 5 special equipment items you might need to make Stovetop Indian Butter Chicken:

• Dutch Oven or Large Skillet: A heavy-duty pot or skillet is essential for cooking the chicken and making the sauce. A Dutch oven works especially well for even heat distribution.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements ensure the perfect balance of spices and other ingredients for the sauce.
• Grater: A fine grater is ideal for grating fresh ginger or garlic, adding more flavor to your dish.
• Wooden Spoon: A wooden spoon helps stir the sauce and prevents any scratching on your cookware.
• Food Processor: For making smooth sauces or chopping onions and garlic, a food processor can save time and effort.

FAQ Section about Stovetop Indian Butter Chicken

1. Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
   Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but thighs are more tender and flavorful. If using breasts, be careful not to overcook them, as they can dry out.
2. Can I make this dish dairy-free?
   Yes, substitute the butter with ghee (clarified butter) and use coconut cream or cashew cream in place of heavy cream.
3. Is this recipe spicy?
   The recipe can be made spicy depending on how much chili powder or cayenne pepper you add. Adjust the heat level to suit your taste.
4. Can I make this ahead of time?
   Yes, the flavors improve with time, so this dish can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge. Reheat before serving.
5. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
   Yes, you can substitute the chicken with paneer or vegetables like cauliflower, potatoes, or peas for a vegetarian version of butter chicken.

Conclusion of Stovetop Indian Butter Chicken

Stovetop Indian Butter Chicken is a rich and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its creamy tomato sauce, tender chicken, and bold spice blend, it’s sure to impress your family and guests. Whether you’re new to Indian cooking or a seasoned pro, this stovetop version is a must-try. Easy to prepare, customizable, and absolutely delicious, it will quickly become a favorite in your household. Enjoy the comforting flavors of this iconic dish without the need for a tandoor!